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Sunday, November 30, 2014

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to
benefit Isla charities will be published soon, featuring a
variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! Check
out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses &
visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at
westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity,
for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published
& turned over to the charities soon...some have already been donated.Update...The
content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am
creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am
busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.Feel free to copy &
share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine
& sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is
appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks!

Identifican velero hundido

Se trata del “Chirón” de bandera estadounidense, asegura Capitanía

"The strong winds from the northern front caused the sailboat Chiron to capsize near Isla Contoy", said the Isla Mujeres Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez Gil. The persons aboard, Gregory Gladdan, captain, and Ricardo Suaste, owner, were rescued by the Navy in good health. The white, 42 foot long sailboat capsized approximately one mile south of Isla Contoy, due to strong winds. Preliminary reports indicate there is a tear in the keel, and with the time that has passed after the wreck, it is expected that it will be a total loss. According to information obtained from the staff of PROFEPA (The Federal Environmental Protection Agency) at this time it is presumed that there is no damage to the nearby reefs, but they will closely monitor the rescue of the boat to prevent any contact with the banks of coral nearby.

The Isla Mujeres Harbor Master said it is estimated the recovery work will not be done until Tuesday, because of the strong winds that are currently occurring. A boat from the Port Authority attempted to reach the sunken boat on Saturday, but the effort proved futile, so they were obliged to return to Isla Mujeres. The rescued crew of the sailboat must appear in person at the Harbor Master's offices on Monday to give their statements. At this time the responsibilities for the sinking of the vessel have not been determined.

For the first time, Isla Mujeres is hosting the Segundo Encuentro de Talentos de
Tae Kwondo Moo Do (Second Meeting of Talents in Tae Kwan Do Moo Do). Welcome to all participants! Alvaro Magana represented the Mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez at the event.

The work of expanding the sewer system will benefit the colonias of Bahia, Electristas,and Salina Chica.La obra de ampliación de la red de drenaje sanitario beneficiará a las colonias: Bahía, Electricistas y Salina Chica.

During the 365 days of the year, the staff of the Municipal Public Services Department attend to the green areas of Isla Mujeres, to present a good appearance for the delight of residents and visitors.Personal
del área de Servicios Públicos Municipales, durante los 365 días del
año se ocupa de que las áreas verdes de Isla Mujeres, presenten su mejor
aspecto para beneplácito de locales y visitantes.

Strong winds generated by the northern fronts that have been affecting the region in recent days caused one light to fall and another to lean against a building along the malecon sea walk overlooking the Caribbean sea downtown. Dozens of these structures are in a state of advanced deterioration due to the salt, and two fell in September, which was reported in Por Esto. The risks are greatest when the winds are over 60 kmh, and with the northern fronts it is common to have gusts up to 90kph, so the residents in the area are concerned. They want the Mayor to extend the light replacement project down to their area, which began near the Casa de Cultura. This is a popular spot for watching passing ships in the afternoons and evenings, and is frequented by people who stroll or who exercise. It would be very bad for the image of Isla Mujeres if a light post fell on/by a tourist. (si se precipita encima de un turista)

The pole that fell recently is near the Aguakan pump, and the leaning one is at the house of the Ravell family.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bufalo, Bahama Mama, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui. Visit restaurants, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Sally Margolis Thank you to Casa el Pio and Ronda Winn Roberts at Maravilla Caribe for the towel and sheets donations and Sugeidy Avilés
for volunteering as well. The next clinic will be 2-3 days at end of
January or early February. It may be one day on the island and two days
in Rancho Viejo or all in Racho Viejo depending on timing and space
available-Thanks everyone!!!You can always check out
daily updates on Isla Animals' Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/IslaAnimals and their website where you can make Paypal donations: http://islaanimals.org

Rodger EricsonI invite all to donate $20 to Isla Animals at the upcoming Fair or via Tiffany and I'll give you a hummingbird like this one.

A
HUGE Thank You to Sally Margolis for raising thousands of dollars in
funds for these clinics!! And, of course, to Alison Sawyer for all she
does!!December 1st: World AIDS Day

I'm happy to share that Brazos Abiertos/Fundación BAI A.C.
will be returning to Isla Mujeres THIS weekend to continue their work
on the island towards HIV Prevention & Testing and Teen Pregnancy
Prevention. Brazos has been working
closely with Agapito and the Minister of Health on Isla to organize these
events. Nov 30 *SUNDAY, the team will be doing Free Rapid
HIV Testing & Education in Rancho Viejo, on the continental zone of
Isla. This is a very poor area and they need a lot of help. All of the
volunteers remarked in June, that they wanted to do more in this area as
the interest from locals (and the need) was evident. Dec 1 *MONDAY Teen Pregnancy Prevention Workshops at Middle School6p. Town Hall/ Palacio Municipal will be lit red in honor of World AIDS Day with speeches by the Mayor, the Health Director, and a Brazos representative.
Here is a link to the Brazo's events in Merida & Isla. http://www.fundacionbai.com/#!world-aids-day/cso8
Donations are always welcome via Paypal on their Website Consider a re-curring donation, $10 can go a long long way
The HIV test kits that will be used in Rancho Viejo were purchased with
donations from YOU that were made on our gofundme campaign last June.
Thank you again to everyone who donated, you are making such a
difference! And thank you to Brazo's for stepping outside of the Yucatan
and helping our island. . http://www.fundacionbai.com/#!donate/c1ghi (I also have forms if you would like to make cash donations on Isla Mujeres.)
Thank you everyone for your continued support, and to Casa El Pío Mexico and Bonnie & Ariel at Seahawk Divers/Que Barbara apartments for donating rooms (again!) for our volunteers!

Javier Martinez Cen
La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days
off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same
stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till
12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa
music, from 12:39 till 2:00 (I'm not sure if this is still current)

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun

Fenix Sun ~2p Salsa

You may find live
music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or Comono, and
at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant

Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Nov 28 Beginning of Festival for Town Saint through Dec 8: Virgin of Immaculate Conception (e HERE is an article about the Festival
Nov 30 Hurricane Season Officially Ends

Regarding the schedule of celebrations for the patron saint of the island, they are as follows:

On
Friday, Nov. 28, the activities honoring the Virgin of Immaculate
Conception, the patroness of Isla Mujeres, will begin with the removal
of the icon from her niche, and the blessings of the banners of the
guilds & blessings for the faithful who have kept a promise during
the year. Following the blessings by Father Raul Sanchez, there will be a
procession through the town center. That will be followed by
fireworks, and the ribbon cutting to inaugurate the festivals, by the
City officials.

On Friday, there will be family oriented celebration to carry on traditions that will include avaquería, bailables,and a kermesse.

On Sunday, Dec 7, at 7pm, the
Virgin will pass through the main streets of the isle in a caravan of
members of the congregation of the Church of Immaculate Conception. At
10:30pm the gremio of the mobile vendors will celebrat with a grand
kermesse, and the mass of the mañanitas will be held for a la patrona
of the island.

To close the celebrations, on
Monday, December 8 at 10am there will be a mass of First Communion, and
of the gremio of las Choncitas, and at 3pm there will be a boat
procession in the Bay, a mass, and the Virgin will be returned to her
niche until next year.

December...Artist Fairs on the Square, usually first Thursday, were cancelled for October & November. Next Fair: Dec. 4

Saturday, November 29, 2014

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to
benefit Isla charities will be published soon, featuring a
variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! Check
out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses &
visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at
westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity,
for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published
& turned over to the charities soon...some have already been donated.Update...The
content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am
creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am
busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.Feel free to copy &
share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine
& sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is
appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks!

Armada rescata a náufragos extranjeros

En los alrededores de Isla Contoy

Two foreigners were rescued Friday morning by the Navy of Mexico, after their sailboat capsized near Isla Contoy, north of Isla Mujeres. The Navy confirmed sending a boat to the area of the wreck, but did not offer more information. According to information obtained, the report came in around 8am on Friday that a sailboat had capsized near Isla Contoy in the strong winds of cold front #14, and apparently there were no casualties. The nationality of the foreigners is unknown, but one source said the boat is apparently from the United States.
The reporter sought information from the Harbor Master who confirmed that the Navy sent a boat to the site of the wreck. He said in an incident of this type, personnel from the following agencies are usually involved: Navy / La Armada de México, International Health/Sanidad Internacional, SARGAPA/Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación/Agricultural Dept, Immigration Institute, Customs, and the Harbor Master. el Instituto Nacional de Migración, Aduana y Capitanía de Puerto. In this particular case, involvement is also expected from personnel of the Marine Park/Parque Marino and from Isla Contoy. (If the reef is damaged, it could also involve an investigation and fine from PROFEPA, the Federal Environmental Protection agency.)

Town Saint celebrations begin with the procession of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception and mass

Arrancan fiestas patronales

Con la bajada de la Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción y misa

Lanrry PARRAAfter mass at 7pm on Friday, the Virgin of Immaculate Conception was taken down from her niche with a procession from the church through the main streets of downtown, consisting of hundreds of Catholics. This occurs yearly when the Patron Saint of the island is celebrated in traditional local festivals. She is dressed each year in a detailed, beautiful regional outfit and the processions include music and singing by hundreds of parishioners.

When she returned to the main square, there were fireworks, dancing, games and other activities, initiating the celebrations in Isla Mujeres. These festivities were highlighted by the vaquería, which is a traditional dance about the head of a pig. The traditional ribbon cutting ceremonies were held, with participation by the Mayor, Agapito Magaña Sánchez; the priest, Raúl Sánchez Alonso; and other officials.

During the opening ceremonies, there was a blessing of the standards (banners) of the groups (cooperatives, businesses, and organizations) that are taking part in the festivities. On Saturday, Nov. 29th the gremios of the colonias of Cañotal y la Gloria will be celebrating, according to the festival schedule. ( The schedule is below in the Events section.) ISLA MUJERES, 28 de noviembre.-

Algunos se hacen a la mar

Al reabrirse puerto a navegación menor

"After63 hours ofrestrictionsto navigation,Friday, at 11am,maritime activitywasallowedfor vesselsunder 40feet in length, although only inthe lagoonareaand the area of el Farito," confirmedtheHarbor Master,IsmaelGonzálezGil.

Almost immediately, the tourist boats of the cooperatives were active and taking tours to those areas, because there is a large demand for these services among visitors to this destination. The providers said they have had potential customers on Wednesday and Thursday, but have been unable to take them out because of the weather. The small boats were still prohibited from crossing to Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, or the Cancun Hotel Zone, as well as sports fishing trips, tours to Isla Contoy, and other commercial travel.

The permission to allow small boats to travel within the lagoon and Farito area caused the activation of about 300 vessels in Isla Mujeres, out of a total number of about 1110 boats. The restriction was imposed at eight in the evening on Tuesday, and is expected to be lifted on Saturday before noon, which would free 1100 boats used for fishing, for tourism, or by individuals of Isla Mujeres.

This has the same information as translated above, additionally noting that the name of the coral reef where the boat wrecked is "Ixlache", and it is located within the Isla Contoy National Park. The Director of the Reserve, Francisco Remolina, said they will request that staff of the Comisión Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) / National Commission of Natural Protected Areas conduct the removal of the boat from the reef, to enable them to know if the boat was grounded upon the reef formations, requiring a formal complaint be filed with PROFEPA.

In recent days, winds gusting to 60kph have affected the entire Caribbean coastal region of the Yucatan peninsula, and the Harbor Master restricted navigation to boats over 40 feet in length. At Isla Contoy, it is customary to accommodate ships that request help when they are surprised by storms in the area, said Sr. Remolina. He said "Although the winds were very strong, the Contoy boat went to the site of the shipwreck and found it laying on the west side of the reef, sitting in the sand. We have reports/reported (Nos han reportado que) that the crew is safe in Isla Mujeres."

At theXXXIIISessionof the Committee ofClean BeachesCancun-Riviera Maya,involvingfivemunicipalities in northernQuintanaRoo,it was agreed topromotemeetings withhotel associationsto encouragethis sector's involvement with the certification of beaches. Playa Norte/North Beach in Isla Mujeres recently received certification and is hoping to attain the Blue Flag award in 2015. This was the eleventh meeting of this group, which
includes the municipalities of Tulum, Solidaridad, Cozumel, Benito
Juárez and Isla Mujeres. The Committee discussed 11 points and came to agreements on 9 of them, while the other two remain in process. Those responsible for the agreements were asked to implement the actions immediately to fulfill them and to provide timely information on their appropriate resolution. The Committee did not have the results available from COFEPRIS ( Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgo Sanitarios) for the October-November water samplings. An agreement was made that the Secretaría Técnica should send the information and make it available to all the Committee members. Information is included in this article that concerns other municipalities, such as strategies to improve the water quality of the Nichupte lagoon system on the mainland, certification projects for the beaches of Playa del Carmen, and seeking of the Blue Flag designation for specific beaches in the municipality of Solidaridad.

Weather improved with another cold front on the way: Navigational precautions

The cost of eggs rose by 6% on Friday and is expected to rise next week, to a total increase of 10 percent. This will affect the working class because small stores are expected to round the price of an individual egg to 2.5 pesos.

The distributors now collect 570 pesos for 12 cartons of 30 eggs each, which is an increase of 30 pesos from the previous price. They have given notice that on Monday the cost will rise by another 20 pesos, to a total of 590 pesos for 12 cartons. (12 x 30 =360 eggs. Previously, 540/360= 1.5 pesos/egg at the wholesale price & individual eggs in small stores were 2 pesos/egg. Now it's 570/360=1.583 per egg and Monday it will be 590/360=1.638 per egg, so small stores are expected to charge 2.5 pesos/egg.)

Checking the prices at the supermarkets on Friday, the reporter found that the price of a kilo of eggs remained 30.8 pesos, and some stores had sales for 29.95 pesos/kilo. Individual eggs were available for 2 pesos each, and on sale for 1.7 pesos. Executives of the retail chains say they were not warned of the price increase, and the price will remain the same while they have inventory in the warehouse.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bufalo, Bahama Mama, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui. Visit restaurants, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Sally Margolis Thank you to Casa el Pio and Ronda Winn Roberts at Maravilla Caribe for the towel and sheets donations and Sugeidy Avilés
for volunteering as well. The next clinic will be 2-3 days at end of
January or early February. It may be one day on the island and two days
in Rancho Viejo or all in Racho Viejo depending on timing and space
available-Thanks everyone!!!You can always check out
daily updates on Isla Animals' Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/IslaAnimals and their website where you can make Paypal donations: http://islaanimals.org

Rodger EricsonI invite all to donate $20 to Isla Animals at the upcoming Fair or via Tiffany and I'll give you a hummingbird like this one.

A
HUGE Thank You to Sally Margolis for raising thousands of dollars in
funds for these clinics!! And, of course, to Alison Sawyer for all she
does!!December 1st: World AIDS Day

I'm happy to share that Brazos Abiertos/Fundación BAI A.C.
will be returning to Isla Mujeres THIS weekend to continue their work
on the island towards HIV Prevention & Testing and Teen Pregnancy
Prevention. Brazos has been working
closely with Agapito and the Minister of Health on Isla to organize these
events. Nov 30 *SUNDAY, the team will be doing Free Rapid
HIV Testing & Education in Rancho Viejo, on the continental zone of
Isla. This is a very poor area and they need a lot of help. All of the
volunteers remarked in June, that they wanted to do more in this area as
the interest from locals (and the need) was evident. Dec 1 *MONDAY Teen Pregnancy Prevention Workshops at Middle School6p. Town Hall/ Palacio Municipal will be lit red in honor of World AIDS Day with speeches by the Mayor, the Health Director, and a Brazos representative.
Here is a link to the Brazo's events in Merida & Isla. http://www.fundacionbai.com/#!world-aids-day/cso8
Donations are always welcome via Paypal on their Website Consider a re-curring donation, $10 can go a long long way
The HIV test kits that will be used in Rancho Viejo were purchased with
donations from YOU that were made on our gofundme campaign last June.
Thank you again to everyone who donated, you are making such a
difference! And thank you to Brazo's for stepping outside of the Yucatan
and helping our island. . http://www.fundacionbai.com/#!donate/c1ghi (I also have forms if you would like to make cash donations on Isla Mujeres.)
Thank you everyone for your continued support, and to Casa El Pío Mexico and Bonnie & Ariel at Seahawk Divers/Que Barbara apartments for donating rooms (again!) for our volunteers!

Javier Martinez Cen
La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days
off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same
stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till
12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa
music, from 12:39 till 2:00 (I'm not sure if this is still current)

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun

Fenix Sun ~2p Salsa

You may find live
music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or Comono, and
at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant

Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Nov 28 Beginning of Festival for Town Saint through Dec 8: Virgin of Immaculate Conception (e HERE is an article about the Festival
Nov 30 Hurricane Season Officially Ends

Regarding the schedule of celebrations for the patron saint of the island, they are as follows:

On
Friday, Nov. 28, the activities honoring the Virgin of Immaculate
Conception, the patroness of Isla Mujeres, will begin with the removal
of the icon from her niche, and the blessings of the banners of the
guilds & blessings for the faithful who have kept a promise during
the year. Following the blessings by Father Raul Sanchez, there will be a
procession through the town center. That will be followed by
fireworks, and the ribbon cutting to inaugurate the festivals, by the
City officials.

On Friday, there will be family oriented celebration to carry on traditions that will include avaquería, bailables,and a kermesse.

On Sunday, Dec 7, at 7pm, the
Virgin will pass through the main streets of the isle in a caravan of
members of the congregation of the Church of Immaculate Conception. At
10:30pm the gremio of the mobile vendors will celebrat with a grand
kermesse, and the mass of the mañanitas will be held for a la patrona
of the island.

To close the celebrations, on
Monday, December 8 at 10am there will be a mass of First Communion, and
of the gremio of las Choncitas, and at 3pm there will be a boat
procession in the Bay, a mass, and the Virgin will be returned to her
niche until next year.

December...Artist Fairs on the Square, usually first Thursday, were cancelled for October & November. Next Fair: Dec. 4

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.